STATESBORO, Ga (WALB) — Citizens Christian Academy swept David Emanuel in the GIAA Class A state championship series, closing out the title with a 5-2 win in game two.

Head coach Jeremy Coram handed the ball to sophomore Thomas Gentry with the state title on the line. Gentry went all seven innings, allowing five hits and one earned run while striking out nine. He also led the Patriots at the plate with two hits and an RBI.

“I believed him from first pitch today,” said senior Blake Bryant. “I knew that he had the ability to go out there and shove, and he did. He proved his point. He’s got to come out here next year and the next and do it again.”

Patriots get contributions throughout lineup

Jonah Hall added two hits and drove in a run. Senior Jackson Knight came through with two RBIs.

“It hasn’t always been easy,” Coram said. “I know we won a lot of games, but there’s been a lot of battles and things that we’ve had to overcome within our team.”

Gentry said his arm was not feeling right but he made it work.

“Just do what I’ve done all season,” Gentry said. “I’ve been good all year, so just why not do it again?”

Senior class leaves championship legacy

Six seniors helped lead the Patriots to the championship. The group has been with the program since sixth grade.

“I’m super proud,” Bryant said. “I grew up with these boys since sixth grade, and they mean everything to me. We’ve been in the cages working every day, at nights even, and just getting better.”

Coram said the senior class has built a legacy that extends beyond wins and losses.

“Win or lose this weekend, man, they’ve had a heck of a career,” Coram said. “And the legacy they leave behind, you really can’t put that into words. What they mean to the program and the school, it’s been special.”

Gentry, who will return next season, said the seniors took him under their wing.

“I came here in eighth grade,” Gentry said. “It’s been a really good two years, and I’ve learned a lot from them, and I’m going to miss them for sure.”

The Patriots finished the season as back-to-back state champions.

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